Flags make first two additions to team roster
June 16, 2005 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Flags News Release
Port Huron, MI-The Port Huron Flags proudly announce the signings of their first two players-- left wing Brett Lutes and defenseman Ryan Gillis, both from the ECHL.
Lutes and Gillis join the Flags from the Bakersfield Condors (Bakersfield, Calif.), the former team of Flags Head Coach Paul Willett. "Both players are great assets to this club- both on and off the ice," said Willett. "I'm excited about the signings and very confident in these players."
Lutes, 22, spent his first year in professional hockey playing for Willett and the Condors. He played in 2003-04 with the University of St. Thomas Tommies and three seasons of junior hockey with the Montreal Rocket. In the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Lutes was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the seventh round.
"He has a strong shot from the point and sees the ice well," said Willett. "I expect big things from Brett Lutes." Willett sees Lutes as a player with strong presence, calling him "a guy that can turn the tides [of a game] in your favor in just one shift. " Willett says he knows, because he's seen him do it.
The Flags look to utilize Lutes' strengths and capitalize on his potential as a young, standout player in minor league professional hockey.
Ryan Gillis is a sound defenseman with eight years of experience in professional hockey. He has played in the American, International and ECHL as well as in the UHL and one year in England. "He is the guy I want out there playing against the other team's best line," said Willett.
The Flags are also looking for strong leadership from Gillis- who has been a captain or assistant captain his entire career. "On and off the ice, and in the community," Willet said, "Gillis is a leader."
Gillis and Lutes are the first players to sign with The Flags, the newest member club of the United Hockey League. The team is looking to announce additional player signings as early as next week.
The Port Huron Flags are a community owned, non-profit organization and proud member of the United Hockey League.
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